Several of our fellow American citizens -- including Haleh Esfandiari,
Parnaz Azima, Kian Tajbakhsh, and Ali Shakeri -- are being held against
their will by the Iranian regime. I strongly condemn their detention at
the hands of Iranian authorities. They should be freed immediately and
unconditionally.

These individuals have dedicated themselves to building bridges between the
American and Iranian people, a goal the Iranian regime claims to support.
Their presence in Iran -- to visit their parents or to conduct humanitarian
work -- poses no threat. Indeed, their activities are typical of the
abiding ties that Iranian-Americans have with their land of origin.

I am also disturbed by the Iranian regime's refusal so far to provide any
information on Robert Levinson, despite repeated U.S. requests. I call on
Iran's leaders to tell us what they know about his whereabouts.

The United States is committed to protecting its citizens at home and
abroad. We will maintain our efforts on behalf of these citizens until all
of them are reunited with their families.